In a groundbreaking study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), researchers have shed light on the health and climate benefits of replacing old diesel school buses with electric buses in the United States. The transportation sector is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, with vehicle emissions causing around 20,000 deaths annually in the U.S.
The study revealed that electric vehicles are a promising alternative to diesel vehicles in reducing the health and environmental impacts of transportation. Currently, only 0.5% of the nationwide school bus fleet in the U.S. consists of electric buses. Despite the higher initial cost of purchasing electric buses, the health and climate benefits far outweigh the expenses.
Researchers estimated that replacing the average diesel school bus fleet in 2017 with electric buses could result in health and climate benefits of $43,800 and $40,400 USD, respectively. The health benefits were particularly significant, with a reduction in PM2.5-attributable mortality and new childhood asthma cases.
The study also highlighted the importance of replacing older diesel buses with electric buses in densely populated areas to maximize health benefits. The cost-effectiveness of electric buses was evident, with the health benefits outweighing the higher upfront costs.
While the study did not assess the reduction of in-cabin air pollution for children riding electric buses, it emphasized the significant health benefits associated with the widespread adoption of electric school buses. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders looking to make informed decisions about transitioning to electric buses for a cleaner and healthier future.
